Donald confirms Scottish Open defence at Castle Stuart

12/16/2011 10:24:53 AM

Luke Donald (Getty Images)

Luke Donald, the most successful golfer on the planet right now, has today confirmed that he will return to Castle Stuart Golf Links next July to defend the Scottish Open title which helped him make golfing history in 2011.

The 34 year old Englishman, who ends the year as Number One in The European Tour’s Race to Dubai, top of the US PGA Tour money list and Number One in the World, acknowledged that winning the Scottish Open title in July played a huge part in his success in The Race to Dubai, which ended on Sunday.

And news of Donald’s return to defend his crown from July 12-15 over the acclaimed links near Inverness has prompted the tournament organisers to extend the winter discounted ticket offer until Friday, January 20, 2012 to ensure golf fans attending the event can purchase the best priced tickets to see the world’s best in action at Castle Stuart.

Donald shot a stunning final round of 63 to complete a four stroke victory over Sweden’s Fredrik Andersson Hed to collect his first Scottish Open title and the World’s Number One said today: “Of course, I’m over the moon to know that the Scottish Open is going back to Castle Stuart, a course I very much enjoyed.

“I had a great time there a few months ago and picking up the trophy was a huge step in my career. The Scottish Open is one of the favoured tournaments on The European Tour and I can’t wait to get back there. Staging the event on a links encouraged a better field and to have some preparation on this type of course the week before The Open is what everyone is looking for.

“It’s a huge event on the Tour schedule and having already won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth it gave me a significant lead in The Race to Dubai. Every little helps – and winning the Scottish Open was a massive help.”

The 2011 Scottish Open boasted one of the strongest fields on The European Tour International Schedule, with many of the world’s best players in action just a few days before The Open Championship, and the scene is set for a repeat performance in 2012 the week prior to The Open at Royal Lytham & St.Annes.

Following the eagerly-anticipated announcement of the Scottish Open’s return to the widely acclaimed Castle Stuart Links, tickets are now on sale at substantial winter discounts if purchased before January 20, 2012.

Anyone wishing to spend four glorious days on the shores of the scenic Moray Firth can purchase a season ticket for £60 before January 20 – a saving of £10 on pre-tournament prices and £20 on gate admission during the week of the event.

Adult day tickets are priced at £25 before January 20, rising to £30 pre-event and £35 on the gate. Concessions (60 and over) start at £40 for a season ticket and £15 for any one day tickets if purchased by January 20. Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and all car parking is also free.

Reserved grandstand seating can also be purchased immediately for Saturday (£10) and Sunday (£15) of what promises to be one of the highlights of the 2012 season.

Hospitality packages in the popular Skean Dhu unit start at £219 + VAT with lunch in the equally popular Laurent Perrier Brasserie priced from £75 per person. Demand is sure to be high for these packages, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Full details about purchasing these ticket and hospitality offers and other events on The European Tour can be found at: www.europeantour.com/tickets or by telephoning the Ticket Hotline: +44 (0) 800 023 2557. Please send postal enquiries to European Tour Tickets, Mirren Court Three, 123 Renfrew Court Three, Paisley, PA3 4EA.